In spite of (or maybe because of) its out-of-the-way location and bizarre circus theme — complete with elephant and lion-tamer murals and an actual carousel behind the bar — the Carousel Lounge is a highly popular local watering hole. You never know what will turn up onstage — this place has hosted everything from smaller musical acts to belly dancers.

-Frommers

Austin’s Carousel Lounge is in itself a timeless, arcane environment, which in filmmaker David Lynch’s better days was commonly referred to as "Twin Peaks-ish." Dimly lit, with circus-themed decor that includes a giant pink elephant on the stage …

-Ken Leick